The US has pledged intelligence and logistic aid to French forces battling al-Qaeda militants in Mali. In response to the French bombardment of the country, rebel leaders pledged to strike the “heart of France” and open the “gates of Hell.”
French president Francois Holland hailed the latest overnight airstrikes on rebel targets as “achieving their goal” and said that assembling an African force to back up the French could take a “good week.”
"We will continue the deployment of forces on the ground and in the air," Hollande added.
The international community has rallied behind France’s campaign in Mali, offering logistical support. Fears have been voiced on the international stage that if al-Qaeda-linked rebels entrench in Mali, the country could become a platform for them to spread throughout the region.
Location of Mali
US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta confirmed that the US was providing intelligence to French forces in Mali. "One is obviously to provide limited logistical support, two is to provide intelligence support and three to provide some airlift capability," Panetta said during a press briefing.
"We have made a commitment that al-Qaeda is not going to find any place to hide,” Panetta told reporters on Monday.
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Subject: Gates Of Hell Open In Africa 
Tue Jan 15, 2013 2:16 pm
